World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka launched her Wimbledon campaign with a decisive 6-1, 7-5 victory over Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine on Monday, showcasing both power and resilience in her quest for a maiden title at the All England Club.
The Belarusian star dominated early, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set with her trademark explosive groundstrokes. Though Branstine earned cheers from Court 1 spectators after finally holding serve, Sabalenka closed the opener in 26 minutes.
The second set proved more dramatic as the 23-year-old Canadian unleashed multiple aces to stay ahead until 5-5. Sabalenka then pounced on critical errors, breaking serve before sealing victory with a commanding final game.
"It was good to have this little fight to test my mental readiness," said Sabalenka, who withdrew from last year's tournament due to injury. The two-time Grand Slam champion now faces Czech player Marie Bouzkova in the second round.
In other action, Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini rallied from a set down to defeat Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. The 2024 French Open finalist's comeback sets up an intriguing second-round clash as Wimbledon's opening days deliver both routine wins and tense battles.
